To Samuel Osgood Jr.

[dateline] Novr: 14. 1775

I was yesterday favoured with your agreable Letter by Captn. Price, for which as well
as a former Letter I acknowledge myself much obliged to you.1

In such a Period as this, Sir, when Thirteen Colonies unacquainted in a great Measure,
with each other, are rushing together into one Mass, it would be a Miracle, if Such
heterogeneous Ingredients did not at first produce violent Fermentations. These ought
to be expected, and prepared for by every Man concerned in the Conduct of our Councils
or Arms.

I hope the Generals will act with Discernment and Integrity in Seperating those officers
who are to be discharged from the rest. But the Reduction of the Regiments cannot
be avoided. Our Province had So many more officers than other Colonies in Proportion
to their Number of Men, that altho the Congress excused it for the Time passed, in
Consideration of the Confusion and Distress of our Affairs when the Troops were raised,
yet they will not consent that the Inconvenience should continue, now there is Leisure
to correct the Error.

I am much concerned at Times on Account of the Pay of the Privates. It is thought
here to be very exorbitant, and many Gentlemen are under great Concern about the Consequences.
The Expence of the War will accumulate upon the Colonies a Debt, like that of our
Enemies. And We have no Funds out of which even the Interest can be paid, and our
People are not used to Taxes upon the Luxuries, much less upon the Conveniences and
Necessaries of Life.

I shall always be obliged to you for Information, which at this distance is much wanted.
You may write [with] the Utmost Freedom to me, the minutest Parti[culars]. I shall make no use of such Freedoms to your Disadvantage, [ . . . ] may improve them to the Benefit of the Public. Be careful however of your Conveyances.

[salute] My respectful Compliments to General Ward and all his Family. I am with much Respect
your very humblest,

[signed] John Adams

RC (NHi: Osgood Papers); addressed: “To Samuel Osgood Jur Esqr Aide de Camp to General Ward
Roxbury To the Care of Coll Warren”; docketed: “Jno. Adams 1775.” The second page
of the MS is mutilated at the right edge.